protects insurance for 2 million americans and laze the groundwork for further work on both growth and deficit reduction. >> the president's -- it would hurt jobs. >> reporter: the partisan bickering has put the country on the brink of a potential economic crisis. some long-time lawmakers dismid- by the perpetual gridlock. >> the first time i feel it's more likely we will go over the cliff than not; and if we allow that to happen, it will be the most colossal consequential act of irresponsibility. >> reporter: president obama says he'll cut his vacation short to hammer out a deal with congress. the deadline now a week away. i'm andrew spencer reporting. >>> if congress face to reach the agreement income tax rates will go up on just about everyone on new year's day. unemployment benefits will expire for many as well. you may not feel the pinch right away. already too late for employers to accurately who would income taxes from those january paychecks. the social security payroll taxes are set to increase on january the 1st. you will see an immediate cut in your take-home pay. >>> the senator fr